Topic: line transformers and attenuators

[Brian Skalinder]

LINE TRANSFORMERS AND ATTENUATORS


Line Matching Transformers

A great way to add gain without buying a relatively expensive preamp.  Short on gain and don't have the cash for a preamp?  Or starting out and want to put as much money into your mics as possible and save for a preamp later (a wise choice) - line matching transformers are the way to go.  Clean, inexpensive gain to hold you over until you get the cash to support your upgrade bug.  Some options:

Audio Technica  (http://www.audiotechnica.com)
CP8201
CP8305
   
Hosa  (http://www.hosatech.com)
MIT-176

Shure  (http://www.shure.com)
A85F

Attenuators

Used to reduce a strong signal. For example, if the signal from your mics overloads your preamps inputs, attenuate the signal prior to the preamp using attenuators.  Some commonly used attenuators:

Shure  (http://www.shure.com)
A15AS  |  Switchable attenuation: -15, -20, or -25 dB.

Audio Technica  (http://www.audiotechnica.com)
8202  |  Switchable attenuation: -10, -20, or -30 dB.

Radio Shack
Sorry, don't have a part # handy, but roll by your local RS and they'll probably have 'em.

[macdaddy]

is there any reason why i should not switch the shure a15as on the fly..? can i be recording and change the setting, or do i have to have nothing going through the device when switching the attenuatioin..?

tia